Latent catalyst systems for cationically polymerizable materials

ABSTRACT

A multi-component catalyst system that is latent at a first elevated temperature but is rapidly activated at a second temperature only slightly elevated over the first temperature comprises 1) metal salts of fluoroalkane sulfonic acids or bis(fluoroalkylsulfonyl)methanes, and 2) a thermally decomposable ester reaction product of a tertiary alkyl alcohol and an acid that forms a chelation complex with the metal ion of the metal salt. In some embodiments the catalyst system further includes a buffering compound that retards activity of the catalyst system.

United States Patent 11 1 Robins l l LATENT CATALYST SYSTEMS FOR CATIONICALLY POLYMERIZABLE MATERIALS [75] Inventor: Janis Robins, St. Paul. Minn.

1731 Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Paul. Minn [22] Filed: July 6, 1973 [21] Appl. No; 377,026

[52] U.S. Cl 252/43] C; 252/428; 252/430; 252/431 P; 260/2 EC; 260/47 EC; 260/59 R;

260/59 EP; 260/37 EP; 260/47 A; 260/830 TW;161/170; 117/126 GB; 117/126 GE [5]] lnt.Cl. i ..B01J3l/04;BOIJ3l/l8; B01J 31/20 [58] Field Of Search 252/431 C, 431 P, 428, 252/430 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.586.616 6/1971 Kropp 252/431 C X 1 1 Sept. 23, 1975 3.632.843 H1972 Allen 1 252/426 X Primary E.tuminerPatrick P. Garvin Attorney, Agent. or FirmAlcxander. Sell. Steldt & DeLaHunt [57] ABSTRACT 12 Claims, No Drawings LATENT CATALYST SYSTEMS FOR CATIONICALLY POLYMERIZABLE MATERIALS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The balance between latency and reactivity exhibited by a curable resin composition often determines whether the composition can be hot-melt coated into a matrix of reinforcement, such as a web of collimated filaments. to form a prepreg. For a practical hot-melt coating operation, the resin composition must be sufficiently latent at the coating temperature to give the coating bath a long useful life, and yet the resin composition should cure rapidly at a temperature that is often only slightly elevated over the coating temperature. In addition, once impregnated into a prepreg, the resin composition must be latent under useful storage conditions, normally at room temperature, for at least several months.

This need for latency has prevented the use in prepregs of resin compositions that rely on the catalyzed homopolymerization of certain epoxy resins, such as certain cycloaliphatic epoxy resins, even though such epoxy-based resin compositions offer properties for a prepreg that are in demand and cannot otherwise be supplied. For resin compositions based on these epoxy .resins to be hot-melt coated onto a web of collimated glass roving, they would have to be heated to 100C in the coating bath and have a useful period of latency at that temperature; yet once impregnated into roving to form a prepreg tape, they would desirably cure rapidly at temperatures in the vicinity of [50C.

There has been no catalyst system for the described epoxy resins that exhibited the desired latency at 100C, rapid cure at 150C, and long storage-stability. Availability of such a catalyst system for these epoxy resins, as well as for other cationically polymerizable materials, would significantly extend the usefulness of such materials, not only for prepregs, but for a wideranging set of uses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly, a catalyst system of the present invention comprises, in combination,

I. lithium, sodium, calcium, strontium, silver, barium, or lead salts of either a fluoroalkane sulfonic acid or a bis(fluoroalkylsulfonyl)methane;

2. thermally decomposable ester reaction product of a tertiary alkyl alcohol and an acid that forms a chelation complex with the metal cation of the metal salt; and

3. optionally, a buffering compound providing a base -that will associate with the proton of the chelating acid of the ester reaction product to form a weak acid that is not a catalyst for the materials being catalyzed by the catalyst system. This catalyst combination is introduced into the polymerizable system in typical catalyst amounts, in which it is soluble in the system. Generally, about 0.5 to 2 equivalents of the ester reaction product are included per equivalent of the salt, and up to about 0.6 equivalent of buffering compound are included per equivalent of ester reaction product.

For convenience herein. salts as described above are Called fluoroalkylsulfonyl salts" and the corresponding acids are called fluoroalkylsulfonyl acids (the bis(fluoroalkylsulfonyl)methanes are regarded as acids herein since they contain an acidic proton); and the ester reaction products described above are called "acidgenerating esters." or sometimes. more simply. -activators."

Upon heating to a known elevated temperature, the catalyst combination is activated by an interaction of the component parts. In this interaction. fluoroalkylsulfonyl acid is released, apparently as a result of removal of the metal cation of the tluoroalkylsulfonyl salt from the solution through a chelation reaction in which the acid provided by thermal decomposition of the acidgenerating ester complexes with the metal cation. A polymerizable system of the invention generally remains quite latent until the activation temperature is reached, whereupon the catalyst combination activates and within a short time achieves a high degree of polymerization of the system. In some preferred embodiments, the catalyst combination is latent for a period of time after it reaches the activation temperature, but once activated, rapidly initiates a high degree of cure.

The base provided by the buffering compound included in some catalyst combinations of the invention associates with the proton of the chelating acid as it is generated by the acid-generating ester to form a weak acid that is not a catalyst for the polymcrizable materials in the system and thereby retards catalytic activity. Once the base provided by the buffering compound is exhausted, the proton of the chelating acid associates (in ionized form) with the fluoroalkylsulfonyl radical from the metal salt to form the strong acid that is a catalyst for the polymerizable materialsv The proton from the chelating acid associates with the base from the buffering compound in preference to associating with the fluoroalkylsulfonyl radical from the metal salt because of the superior basicity of the base of the buffer ing compound.

A catalyst combination of the invention offers a balance oflatency and reactivityincluding long-storagestability, latency at elevated temperatures, and rapid reactivity at slightly further elevated temperaturethat makes possible for the first time the satisfactory use of certain epoxy resins for hot-melt coating into prepregs. As an example, some resin compositions including a catalyst combination of the invention are stable, that is, do not double in viscosity, for at least one-half hour, and in preferred embodiments are stable for at least 3 hours, when heated to C. Yet when heated to a temperature slightly above the temperature of latency, these same resin compositions rapidly react to a cured condition, exhibiting, for example, a gel-time of less than 30 minutes after heating to l50C, and in preferred embodiments, a gel-time of less than 10 minutes after heating to I50"C. And even after being heated to IOOC to melt and impregnate them into a matrix of reinforcement and then cooled to room temperature, they retain a long storage-stability, some of them having been stable for several months without showing any reduction in surface tack, for example.

A concomitant advantage is that catalyst combinations of the invention can be made to initiate curing at temperatures that are low in comparison to the temperature of reaction initiated by some previous catalysts. And the temperature at which activation is to occur may be controlled by properly choosing the ingrcdients. Another advantage of catalyst combinations of the invention is that they form moisture-resistant cured products, which many other potential catalyst systems dont do. In addition, catalyst combinatons of the invention are soluble in a wide range of polymcrizahlc materials, giving them a wide utility.

A catalyst combination of the invention is generally useful with any polymerizable material in which it is soluble and whose polymerization is catalyzed by the fluoroalkylsulfonyl acid released by the catalyst combi nation, A typical class of polymerizable materials comprises cationically sensitive materials, in which attack by a cation initiates polymerization of the material. These materials will be called cationically polymerizable materials in this specification,

PRIOR ART U.S. Pat. No. 3,632,843 provided the first disclosure of bislperfluoroalkylsulfonyl)methanes as rapid-acting catalyst for cationic sensitive monomers. In the course of that disclosure, the patent suggested use of amino or ammonium salts of such acids as latent catalysts, and suggested that initiation of catalysis by those latent salts might, as one alternative, be obtained through use of latent accelerators such as esters of strong acids. that are heated to initiate the catalysis,

While such a catalyst system would involve use of an acid like one of those used in the invention described herein, that prior system would not provide latency of the same order as the latency obtained with a catalyst combination of the present invention. The prior catalyst combinations would be activated at lower temperatures than those of the present invention, and they would not provide the sharp conversion from latency to activity provided by the present invention.

Metal salts offluoroalkane sulfonic acids and bis(fluoroalkylsulfonyl)methanes have also been previously disclosed and noted to be latent catalyst. U.S. Pat. ap plication, Ser. No. 336,939, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,842,019 discloses salts of fluoroalkane sulfonic acids as latent catalysts for cationically sensitive monomers. while U.S. Pat. No. 3,347,676 discloses photopolymerizable compositions that include a photoinitiator that comprises combinations ofa halide promoter and silver or thallium salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acids. And U.S. Pat, No. 3,586,6l6 discloses metal salts of bis(fluoroalkylsulfonyl)methanes as latent catalysts.

However, the previously described metal salts have generally either been much too active or much too latent by themselves for the uses to which catalyst combinations of the invention are put. And catalyst systems initiated by exposure to light are not useful in the many situations where reaction is to occur in a closed environment, such as in a mold or where a laminated product of several thin layers is to be prepared, or where the polymerizahle system may contain opacifying pigmerits.

None of these items of prior art resulted in a catalyst that would satisfy the stringent requirements necessary to permit satisfactory use ofcertain epoxy resins in pre pregs, as well as satisfy the requirements for a wideranging set of other uses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION METAL SALTS As previously noted. the soluble metal salts used in catalyst systems ofthe present invention are made from two general classes of fluoroalkylsulfonyl acid: fluoroalkane sulfonic acids and bis(fluoroalkylsulfonyl)methanes. These acids are strong acids, generally having a pKa of less than zero, and preferably less than *2 or even 5. ()fthese two classes. salts of the fluoroalkane sulfonic acids are preferred because they are effective in lesser amounts and provide a more sharp change from latent to active,

The salts of these fluoroalkylsulfonyl acids may be represented by the following formulas: for the salts of fluoroalkanc sulfonic acid,

(R,SO M; and for the salts of bis(fluoroalkylsulfonyl)methane.

in these formulas, n is l or 2; R is a fluorinated alkyl; M is selected from lithium, sodium, calcium, strontium, silver, barium and lead, preferably lithium, sodium, strontium, or barium, and even more preferably barium; and R may be a wide variety of substituent groups that do not prevent the desired acidity, including H, Br, Cl, alkyl having I to 19 carbons, aryl, alkaryl; or R'-Y, where R is an alkylene linking group (preferably methylene or ethylene) and Y is OH, -CH=CH COOH, Br, C1, or OC(O)C(R")=CH where R" is H or --CH or R50 By fluorinated alkyl, it is meant herein a fluorinated, saturated, monovalent, non-aromatic, aliphatic radical that is straight, branched, or cyclic and has a backbone of carbon-to-carbon linkages. A fully fluorinated group is preferred, but hydrogen or chlorine atoms may be present as substituents in the fluorinated aliphatic radical provided that not more than one atom of either is present in the radical for every two carbon atoms and that the radical contains at least a terminal perfluoromethyl grop. The fluorinated aliphatic radical generally contains not more than 20 carbon atoms, preferably contains less than 8 carbon atoms, and more preferably contains one or two carbon atoms.

(C F,,SO CH[CH CH(CH )O],H, and (CF SO MCH The metal salts are prepared by simply reacting the l'luoroalkylsulfonyl acid with an oxide. hydroxide, or

carbonate of a metal in accordance with procedures well known in the art. For example. trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. CF SO H. dissolved in a solvent such as benzene maybe reacted with barium carbonate by stirring the dissoh ed acid with a suspension of the barium carbonate. filtering the resulting mixture. and evapo' rating the filtrate to dryness to form barium trifluoromethane sulfonate. Ba(CF;,SO

ACID-GENERATING ESTERS in general. the ester reaction products useful in the invention are soluble compounds which upon heating. preferably to a temperature of 150C or more. decompose to release the chelating acid. Since the released acid forms a nonionizing chelation complex with the metal atom. the chelation reaction tends to remove metal atoms from a solution of the fluoroalkylsulfonyl salt. Thereupon the fluoroalkylsulfonyl acid is released for reaction to catalyze polymerization of the polymerizable material in the system.

The ester reaction product useful in the catalyst combinations of the invention are made from tertiary alkyl alcohols. since if nontertiary alcohols were used. the temperatures for decomposition of the ester reaction product to release the chelating acid would tend to be too high. Also. the hydrolytic stability ofesters of some nontertiary alcohols is so low that a low level of moisture would cause premature reaction of the polymerizablc system. Any tertiary alkyl alcohol that forms an ester reaction product with an appropriate acid may be used. Examples of suitable tertiary alkyl alcohols are t-butanol. l.l-dimethylpropanol. l-methyl-Z- ethylpropanol. l.l-dimethyl-n-butanol. l.l-dimethyl-npentanol. l.l-dimethylisobutanol, 1,l,2.2- tetramethylpropanol. l-methylcyclopentanol. lmethylcyclohexanol. LI-dimcthyl-n-hexanol. l.1- dimethyl-n-octanol. LI-diphenylethanol. and l.ldibenzylethanol.

The chelating acids that are the other component of the ester reaction product may be chosen by a simple test that shows their ability to form a chelate with the metal of the fluoroalkylsulfonyl salts in the catalyst system. in this test (1.002 mole of the fluoroalkylsulfonyl salt to be used in the catalyst combination is first dissolved in a mixture of 40 ml acetone and ml water. after which the pH of the solution is adjisted to 7 (by adding trifluoromethane sulfonic acid or barium hydroxide. for example). Then 0.005 mole of the chelating acid is added and the ssytcm allowed to equilibrate (generally within one hour). For the chelating acid to be useful in the invention. the pH of the equilibrated system should generally be less than about 2.

The preferred chelating acids for inclusion in acidgenerating esters of the invention are oxalic. phosphoric and phosphorous acids. Other illustrative chelating acids that are useful include. polycarboxylic acids. e.g.. malonie. succinic. fumaric. malcic. citraconic. aconitic. o-phthalic. trimesic acids and other polycarboxylic acids having less than 3 carbon atoms separating carboxylic groups. hydroxycarboxylic acids. cg. glycolic. lactic. beta-hydroxybutyric. gammahydroxy-butyric. tartronic. malic. oxalacetic. tartaric. and citric acids; aldehydic and ketonic acids, e.g.. glyox lic. pyruvic. and ucetoacetic acids: thioacids. c.g.. mercaptoacctic. alpha-mercaptopropionic. beta-mercaptopropionic. thiooxalic. and mercaptosuccinic acids: other acids of phosphorous, e.g. hypophosphorous. and thiophosphoric acids; chromic acid; and vanadic acid.

The acid-generating esters may be prepared by procedures well known in the art. For example. acidgenerating esters that incorporate the organic acids may be prepared by procedures described by (i. J. Karabatsos. J. M. Corbett. and K. L. Krumel. J. Org. Chem. 30. 689 (1965). Esters that incorporate phosphate. phosphonate and phosphite esters can be prepared by procedures described by J. R. Cox. Jr.. and F. H. Bestheimer. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 80. 544i (I958); H. G. Goldwhite and B. C. Saunders. J. Chem. Soc. 2409 ([957); and J. R. Cox. Jr. and M. G. Newton. J. Org. Chem. 54. 2600 (I969) respectively.

The acid-generating ester should be relatively non hydrolyzable and is typically neutral. that is. has a pH of 6-7. To remove traces of acid from the acidgenerating ester. it may be passed through a column filled with an ion exchange resin.

Although applicant does not wish to be bound to a certain theory. the mechanism by which chelating acid is generated from the acid-generating ester is probably in accordance with the following chemical equation in which di(t-butyl) oxalate is exemplified the acidgenerating ester:

ll ll From this equation it is seen that the acid-generating ester (di(t-butyl) oxalate). upon heating. yields olefin (isobutylenc) and a chelating acid (oxalic acid). This decomposition of the ester itself is self-catalytic. since the oxalic acid released in the reaction catalyzes further decomposition of the ester. Accordingly. release of chelating acid. and the consequent release of fluoroalkylsulfonyl acid and reaction of the polymerizable system, occurs very rapidly once it begins.

Depending on the nature of the olefin that is formed from the acid-generating ester that is used. blown or solid polymerization products may be obtained. Generally. solid. unfoarned polymerization products are obtained when the olefin formed has a boiling point of at least about C and preferably at least C at atmospheric pressure. while blown or foamed polymerization products are obtained when the olefin formed has a boiling point of less than about 70C. Acidgenerating esters derived from tertiary alcohols having g6 or more carbon atoms generally give olefins having a boiling point of at least 70C. and tertiary alcohols having 9 or more carbon atoms generally give olet'ins having a boiling point of at least about I50"C.

BUFFER COMPOUNDS In general. the buffer compounds that are used in some catalyst combinations of the invention to achieve a desired balance between latency and reactivity are basic compounds having a solubility in the whole composition of at least about 1 part by weight per 1000 parts by weight of the whole composition. As previously noted. upon solution in the material to be catalyzed, these compounds provide a base that reacts with the proton of the chelating acid to form a weak acid that does not catalyze polymerization of the polymerizable material in the system and thereby retard catalytic activity of the catalyst combination.

One simple test that will generally indicate the usefulness of a buffering compound in a catalyst combination of the invention is a test measuring the change in pH caused by adding of the buffering compound to an acidic solution. For example, such a test may be conducted by adding sufficient trifluoromethylsulfonic acid to 50 ml of a solvent mixture comprising 20 weight-percent water and 80 weight-percent acetone to produce a pH of 2. The buffereing compound being tested is then added to the solution in an amount of 0.00] base-equivalent. if the solution achieves a pH of 3 or greater. and preferably 5 or greater, in this test, the tested compound will generally be a useful buffering compound for inclusion in a catalyst combination of the invention.

Among the buffering compounds that may be used in the invention are l) alkali-metal hydroxides, alkoxides, phenoxides, alkythioxides and enolates, such as sodium, potassium, lithium, and cesium hydroxides; sodium and potassium methoxides; potassium ethoxide; sodium isopropoxide; potassium butoxide; potassium hexoxide; potassium dodecanoxide; sodium octadecanoxide; sodium phenoxide; potassium 4-tbutylphenoxide; disodium salt of 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyl phenyl)propane sodium acetylacetonate; potassium acetylacetonate; and the like; 2) alkali-metal and alkaline-earth-metal salts of carboxylic and thiocarboxylic acids, such as potassium acetate; sodium propionate; potassium hexanoate; potassium decanoate; sodium, potassium, barium, calcium, magnesium, and strontium stearates; potassium ethyl xanthate; potassium dodecycl xanthate; and the like; and 3) tertiary acyclic and heterocyclic amines, quaternary ammonium hydroxides, and phosphines, such as tripropyl or triamyl amine; triethylene diamine; hexamethylene tetramine; l-methylimidazole; benzyl trimethylammonium hydroxide and tetramethylammonium hydroxide; and the like.

Other useful buffer compounds include phenylmercuric acetate, lead stearate, silver stearate, cobalt stearate, zirconium stearate, zirconium acetylacetonate and chromium stearate.

Generally, the most preferred buffering compounds are the strong bases including the alkali-metal hydroxides, alkoxides, and carboxylates, alkaline-earth-metal carboxylates, and the quaternary ammonium hydroxides.

PROPORTIONS The catalyst materials of the present invention are generally used in typical catalytic amounts. For example, the fluoroalkylsulfonyl salt is generally included in an amount between about 0.] and about 5.0 weightparts, and preferably between about 0.2 to about 2 weight-parts. per l00 weight-parts ofthe polymerizable material in the system. The use of less than 0.l part of the fluoroalkylsulfonyl salt is generally ineffectual for obtaining the desired catalysis, and the use of more than five parts of the salt makes the desired latency difficult to obtain.

As to the acid-generating ester, generally one equivalent of the ester is used per equivalent weight of the fluoroalkylsulfonyl salt. However. the amount of acidgenerating ester may be varied. generally from about 0.5 to 2 equivalents of the ester per equivalent of the fluoroalkylsulfonyl salt. For example. 1 weight-part (0005 equivalent) to 4 parts (0.02 equivalent of di(t butyl)oxalate and 2.18 weight-parts (0.01 equivalent) of barium trifluoromethanesulfonate provide a catalyst system of the invention suitable for use in 20 to weight-parts of cationically polymerizablc material.

As to the buffering compound, this compound is generally used in an amount up to 0.6 equivalent per equivalent of acid-generating ester. The preferred concentration of buffering compound is from 0.l to 0.4 equivalent of buffering compound per equivalent of acidgenerating ester. The use of more than the specified amounts of buffering compound tends to interfere with the polymerization of the polymerizable material.

CATIONICALLY POLY MERIZABLE MATERIA LS A first and principal class of cationically polymerizable materials that may be catalyzed according to the invention are compounds that polymerize by opening ofa cyclic group, for example, compounds such as cyclic ethers, aziridines, lactones and lactams. A preferred class of this kind includes the glycidyl and betamethylglycidyl ethers of bisphenol A (2,2-bis( 4- hydroxy phenyl,) propane), phenol cresol, resorcinol, or hydroquinone; the glycidyl and beta-methylglycidyl ethers of alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, nbutanol, ethylene glycol, l,4-butanediol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerine, trimethyloL propane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxycyclohexyl)-propane and the like; the glycidyl and beta-methylglycidyl esters of carboxylic acids such as acetic, butyric, dodecanoic, stearic, succinic, adipic, o-, m-, and p-phthalic and trimellitic acids, and the like.

Other epoxy resins useful in the invention may be obtained by reaction of less than two moles of epichlorohydrin or beta-methylepichlorohydrin with one mole of a compound having more than one active hydrogen or by the reaction of epichlorohydrin with novolac resins. Illustrative of such materials are the diglycidyl ethers of dihydric phenols such as 2,2-bis(4-hydroxycyclohexyl) propane and the diglycidyl ethers of phenol formaldehyde resins.

Other cationically polymerizable materials that polymerize by a ring opening include ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, cyclohexene oxide, octylene oxide, styrene oxide, dicyclopentadiene dioxide, pivalolactone, propi olactone. and ethylenimine.

Another useful class of cationically polymerizable materials are materials that have an ethylenic unsaturation, including 1 olefins, such as isobutylene, propane, l,3-butadiene, isoprene, 2-methyl-l-heptene, styrene, and vinyl cyclohexene; and 2) vinyl ethers, such as methyl vinyl ether, butyl vinyl ether, n-octyl vinyl ether, dodecyl vinyl ether and methoxy ethyl ether.

Another useful class of cationically polymerizable materials are phenolic resins such as phenolic resins taught in US. Pat. No. 3,485,797, which contain benzylic ether linkages and are unsubstituted in the para positions.

The invention is further illustrated by the following examples. All parts and percentages in the examples are by weight unless otherwise specified.

EXAMPLES l 7 These examples illustrate various catalyst systems of the invention. each having a different metal salt of trifluoromethanesull'onic acid and the same acidsystem was introduced into the mixture. In the first part of each of the examples. labeled (a) in Table l which follows, a complete catalyst system was introduced including 0.2 part of the salt listed in the table. 0.2 part generating ester. namely di(t-butyl)oxalate and com of g g i i z gg pare the results obtained with those systems with recc'dnolme l d ermg "Q t dd d sults obtained when the acid-generating ester is omitted d Zdcld gnc mtmg Ester Wi no from the systems. The polymerizable material in the ex- (m f 539 f l g cat umples is cyclnhexene oxide silire a tetria tlltl010 t e at er componen so c ca The period of latencythis is, the induction peri- Com od-of the polymerization systems in the examples was TABLE I measured by measuring the temperature rise after addition of acid-generating ester into the system. The in- MflXt- Time to Reach mum duction period was regardedoas that per od of time dur l5 lndwim Hm Maximum ing which the system rose 4 C from its initial tempera- Ex period Rim Hum RM ture. To shorten the experiment, the induction period (Tl i I I D was measured) from an initial temperature of l 50 C. In UCFMSO" 55 41 75 though at 100 C or 130C catalyst systems ofthe invenih 600 0 tion exhibit substantially more latency. It has been 70 srlcl'ksoalw 3 95 found that generally an induction period of 60 seconds 3 (MG-a503,! 30 4| m at 150C for this polymerization system indicates that 600 U 4a Buick-50... i2!) 42 150 the system will exhibit an induction period of at least 4b U 60 minutes at 100C, and usually much longer. 5:: NuCFsSQx 180 4| 2:0

o h 600 0 a The degree ofpolymer ization at 150 C was measured m MMCHSOH]: 20 3X 7 by the maximum heat rise observed after addition of 6b 600 0 acid-generating ester into the system while the system AECEIISOII fg was at 150C. A maximum heat rise of 45C would generally indicate that complete polymerization occured durin the eriod of time in which the maximum heat g p o y EXAMPLES8-t3 rise occured. A maximum heat rise of C in this test indicates an acceptable degree of polymerization, since These examples illu trate the use of a variety of acidpolymerization continues after the maximum heat rise generating esters with a variety of fluoroalkylsulfonyl has been obtained in this ex eriment; however a maxi salts in the olymerization of C clohcxene oxide. For

P y mum heat rise of-40C during the experiment is pre- 35 each numbered example. a certain acid-generating famed, ester was used. with each lettered part of the example The polymerization system was prepared and rea ted using a different metal fluoroalkylsulfonyl salt. The i a 5U-m| Ehrlenm fla k int whi h h d been inprocedures for preparation and testing and the serted a thermocouple attached by electric conductors amounts for Examples 1 Used. im ri m to a time-temperature recorder, and which was heated mfl e was u ed as a buffering compound in b an i] b h i i d at u temperature f 150 i each example. While some combinations in these ex- 1C, Fi t 30 parts of b h n n olv nt) as; amples do not show satisfactory results in polymerizing h d i h fl k d h t d t 150C after hi h 5 cyclohexene oxide. they provide satisfactory results parts of cyclohexene oxide was added to the flask and with other polymcrizable materials and other temperathe mixture heated to 150C. Thereupon the catalyst tures of use.

TABLE II (a) (h) (c) (1!) (cl Example NaCF SO LiCF SO Ca(CF;,SO Sr(CF -,SO; Ba(CF,.SO;,)-, No. Acid-gencrating ester (ll (2) (l) (2) (ll (2) il) (2) (l) (2) 8 Di(Z-mcthyl 4- 205 37 35 37 20 35 Hit) 35 40 3s phenyl-2-huiyl) oxalate 9 Ditl-mcthyl-A- 240 34 35 42 39 20 43 3s pivaloxy-Z- pentyl)oxalate i0 Di(2-mcthyl-4- 7600 t 30 9t) 33 20 4t 95 39 acetoxy-2- pentyl- )oxalatc 1| Tritt-hutyl) 6 l0 I3 25 35 5 41 35 30 phosphite l2 Trill-methyl-4 600 l 600 l 80 32 35 27 250 15 ucetoxy-2- pentyljphosphite l3 Tritbhutyl) 600 l I30 I) 50 34 :5 41 I30 36 phosphate (ll'l'he firsl column under each lcllcr goes the induction period in econds that is obtained for \lie acid-generating ester ol ciicli iiuiiihered euiniplc l2 l'l'he L'Ltllid column under ciieli letter goes the minimum litdl the in C that is measured for eaeli acid-generating e-tei ul each numbered emiii le EXAMPLES 14 l8 TABLE III Induction Maximum Example Period Heat Rise No. Tertiary alcohol (seconds) (C) 14 l.l-diphenyl ethanol 40 I l-methylcyclo pentanol 30 40 I6 3-methylheptanol-3 70 40 17 t-bulanol I 50 4| lli l-methyleyclo hexanol 200 4| EXAMPLES l9 23 These examples illustrate the use in catalyst combinations of the invention of acid-generating esters prepared from a variety of chelating acids and the same tertiary alcohol. The catalyst combination in these examples included 0.2 part of barium trifluoromethane sulfonate and an acid-generating ester of the type and in the amount shown in the table below. The combination was used to polymerize cyclohexcne oxide. The maximum heat rise occuring within three minutes after addition of the catalyst combination was measured at three different temperatures-I I0C, I30C, and l50Cto show the variation in the degree of cure that EXAMPLES 24 35 These examples illustrate the use of a variety of buffering compounds to increase the induction period provided by a catalyst combination ofthe invention. In the catalyst combinations of these examples, the fluoroalkylsull'onyl salt was 03. part of barium trifluoromethane sulfonate. the acid-generating ester was 0.4 part of di[ 2-methyl-4-pivaloxy-2-pentyl) oxalate. and the buffering compound was 0.0005 base-equivalents ofthe com pound given in Table V. The preparation and test procedures were as given in Examples 1 7.

TABLE V Induction maximum Fsample Period Heal Rise No. Buffering Compound lsecontlsl 1C) 24 None I0 40 25 Sodium stearale 170 40 26 Barium stearate I50 40 27 Magnesium stearate 40 39 28 Silver stearule I 34 29 Ferric octoale 50 27 30 Sodium acetylaeetonate I30 40 31 Potassium acetylaeetonate 270 2) 32 Tnethylene diamine I30 33 3 3 Trioctylphnsphine I20 26 34 Benzyltrimethylammonium 420 22 hydroxide 35 l Methylimidazole 4H) 31 EXAMPLES 36 47 These examples illustrate the effect on induction period of increasing the amount of buffering compound in a catalyst system of the invention. In each of these examples, the fluoroalkylsulfonyl salt was barium trifluoromethane sulfonate. In Examples 36-41, 02 part di(t-butyl)oxalate was the acid-generating ester; in Examples 42, 43, 46, and 47, 0.5 part of di(2-methyl-4 pivaloxy-Z-pentyl)oxalate was used; and in Examples 44 and 45, 0.4 part of di(2-methyl 4-pivaloxy-2-pentyl- )oxalate was used. The buffering compound and amount were as given in Table VI. Otherwise the procedures were as given in Examples 1-7.

EXAMPLES 48 and 49 These examples show the use of catalyst combinations based on silver and lead salts of bis(triflu0romethanesulfonyl) methane to catalyze polymerization of diglycidyl ethers of bisphenol A having an epoxide quivalent weight of IRS-I92 (Epon 828 from Shell Chemical Company). The polymerization system in eluded I00 parts of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, l part of the metal salt, 0.5 of ditbenzyl-t butyl)oxalate and 0.5 part of barium neodecanoate. The ingredients were mixed at room temperature and then heated in an oven to three different temperatures. Gel time was measured at the three different temperatures.

TABLE v Although the glycidyl methacrylate showed an unacceptable degree of curing at 170C in this series of ex- Gc' Time periments. catalyst combinations ofthe invention using Example m |||C other activators. such as di(t-butyHphosphon-atc, were lminutstl added to glycidyl methacrylate to prepare systems that 48 AIICHISOICFIIIZ 200 I II were latent at 100C but that rapidly reacted to an al- 49 Pbl(HtS0 CF -,i l so l0 most completely polymerized state at [70C.

EXAMPLE 50 EXAMPLES 61 and 62 This example illustrates the use of the silver salt of Th emu-"p185 ill h use f Catalyst bim r m hyl lf ny )meth ne in a ca ly t m nation of the invention mixed with cycloaliphatic epoxy nation Of the invention 10 polymerize CyClOhEXEItC OX- resins to provide a resin compgsition useful [0 impregldfi. One P211! 0f the salt W215 used will! 0.2 part Of barate into prepreg articles and having a long pol life ium neodecanoate as buffering compound and 1 part of A i t r of 40 parts of a first cycloaliphatic epoxy di(Z-methyl-4-pivaloxy-2-pentyl)oxalate as acid resin (3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl-3,4- generating ester. The procedures and other amounts e oxy y lohexane carboxyla avail ble as ERL 422] were as given in Examples l-7. At 150C the induction from Union Carbide Company) and 60 parts of a secperiod was 5 seconds, the maximum heat rise was 35C, 0nd cycloaliphatic epoxy resin (a solid reaction prodand' the time to maximum heat rise was seconds. At 20 act of the first epoxy resin with hexahydrophthalic an- 100C the polymerizable composition had a useful Iahydride. available as ERRA 421 1 from Union Carbide tency in excess of 10 minutes. Company) were heated to about 100C. The induction Examples SI 56 period for the composition was then initiated by adding a catalyst combination of the invention to the melt These examples illustrate the use in catalyst combiwhile the melt was maintained at about 100C. In Exnations of the invention ofa variety of metal salts based ample 61 the catalyst combination consisted of 0.5 part on different fluoroalkane sulfonic acids. The polymerof barium trifluoromethylsulfonate and 0.5 part of di(- izable material in the examples was cyclohexene oxide; 2-methyl-4-pivaloxy-Z-pentyl)oxalate. in Example 62 the salt and amount of the salt used in each example are the catalyst system used the same salt and used di(2- given in the following table; the acid-generating ester methyl-4-aeetoxy-2-pentyl)oxalate as the acidwas 0.2 part of di(benzyl-t-butyUoxalate; and barium generating ester. The induction period or pot life of the neodecanoate was used as a buffering compound in compositions was determined by measuring the time amounts as s hown in the table. The procedures and f he i i y f the mixture (measured at 1 in other amounts were as given in Examples l-7, t1 Bt'OOkfiCld viscosimeter) to reach 3000 centipoises;

TABLE Vlll Amount of Barium Induction Maximum Time to Max- Fxample Metal Salt neodccuno- Period Heat intum Heat Rise No. Metal Salt (parts) ate (parts) (seconds) Rise (T) (seconds) 5 l LiCF SO 0. l 5 ll) 37 60 $2 LiC F sO 044 10 37 53 (1. 150 34 210 54 LiC F SO 0.51 20 37 6t) 55 l.iC-;F -,lC F )SO;; 0.47 0.2 37 56 caicnr so i, 0.52 ()2 180 32 300 EXAMPLES 57 0 and reactivity of the compositions was determined by measuring the gel time for the compositions at 163C These m "'F of catalyst combma (measured by a Sunshine Gelometer manufactured by tions of the invention with different epoxy compounds Sunshine Scientific Instruments) The results are and at different temperatures. in these systems. the cat- 50 corded IIII Table xv alyst combination included barium trifluoromethane sulfonate {0 2 part). di(benIyI-tbutyl)oxalate (0.4 TABLE X part). and barium neodccanoatc (0.1 part). In Example 57. the epoxy compound was cyclohexene mode: in Ex- GIII TIme IIIII LIIIc ample S8. glycidol; in Example 59. phcnyl glycidyl 55 Example In I" n ether; and in Example 60. glycidyl methacrylate. The No. Acid-Generating Ester (minutes) (minutes) procedures were generally the same as used in the pre- III DIIZIIIIIIIIIIIIJIIIVIIIIIIIY I I70 vious examples. except that induction period and maxizmmmmmium mum heat rise were measured at both C and 02 Dill-muthyl-l-flceloxy- 5 I16 I70 60 2-pentyl)oxalate TABLE lX EXAMPLES 63 and 64 1 These examples illustrate the use of a buffering coinl W ll" 65 pound in the catalyst combination described in ExamllM lllplL Period Heat Rlw Period HLill RHL' I I I I No (seconds! i('i IMSLUIKlS) ple 61 to prolong the pot life ol the composition. In Example 63, 02 part of sodium stearate was included in it, the catalyst combination of Example 61. and in Exam- 5 2w 1 7 44 ple 64. 0.2 part of barium neodecanoate was included no lot) x 411 v The gel time of the compositions at 163C and the pot life of the compositions (time to reach 3000 centipoises at lCJ are given in Table Xl. Parts ERRA 422l (described in Example (1|) 6} ERL 4221 (described in Example 0|) 37 TABLE XI Barium trifluoromcth lsullonate 0.5

' Dit2-methyl-4-pivaloxy-lpcnlyl )oxalale 0.526

Gel Time Pot Life Example at I63C at l00C Bumring clmpmnd lmlnum) (mlnum) The glass fiber reinforcement for the tape was contin- 53 sudium came 4 4 341] 1Q uous glass roving (available from Johns Manville. Inc 4 Ba m n n m as JM 1 950.! A collimated web of 140 ends of this rov ing was passed through a standard dip tank equipped with squeeze rollers containing the impregnating resin composition heated to 100C. cooled to room tempera- EXAMPLES 65 67 ture. and wound in a roll. The tape was then cut into The? amples Compare the Shelf life of cyclmlll sections 12 inches long. and crossply laminates conphatic epoxy compositions containing a catalyst co taining seven plies were molded in a laboratory press at nation Of the invention the shelf Of cycloali- [63C and 77C using a pressure of The flexphatic epoxy compositions containing standard C mural strength of the laminates was measured by ASTM lysts. D-790, and the results are given in Table Xlll.

TABLE Xlll Flexural Strength of Seven-ply Crossply Laminates Press Oven Flexural Strength (psi) Cure Postcure Resin (time/temp.) (time/temp.) Content ZSC I2 I "C l49C 1 hr./lh3C 4 hr./l63C 25.8% 141.000 122.000 70.000 1 tin/177C 4 tin/177C 26.764 131.000 122.000 82.600

In each ofthe examples, the catalyst combination de- EXAMPLES 69 83 scrihed Table w aclded to parts of mnhen These examples illustrate the use ofa variety of catacumpusmon as descnbed m Example and was at lyst systems with different epoxy resins. The epoxy reslnooc The mixture was coated a web of 40 ins used in the examples include 1) the cycloaliphatic glass rovlng- CQOled m room temperature (about epoxy resin mixture described in Example 61; 2) a mix- 25C), and allowed to stand. The shelf life was taken as we fdi l id l ethers f bi h l A ifi ll 60 that time that the coated web remained tacky to the parts f a liquid digiycidyl ether f bisphend A having muchan epoxide equivalent weight of 185-192 (Epon 828) and 40 parts of a solid diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A TABLE having an epoxide equivalent weight of 6()0700 (Epon 1002 available from Shell Chemical Company); and 3) Shell an epoxy novolac resin, specifically, a polyglycidyl Catalyst mmhimmun ether ofa phenol-formaldehyde novolac, having an epoxide equivalent weight of 176-l8l (DEN 438 avall- 65 02 part barium trifluoromcthylsull'onate and |S0 able from DGW Chemical Company). A11 acid d"zmclhymwvumxy'z' generating ester (di(Z-methyl-4-acetoxy-2-pentyl)oxapcnlyl luxalalc 66 Methyl Nadic Anhydride sul'flcicnt to give l0 late) was used the examples except Examples a carhoxynmoxy ratio r 2.0 and 72, 76, 78, 80, and 82. Acid-generating ester was omit- DB ted from those examples to provide a comparison; in Methyl Nudic Anhydridc mmcicm m each of those examples. there were no signs of curing,

give a carboxyzcpoxy ratio of 1.6 and and the test was ended flflCl' l5 minutes. Th6 composi- Cusotllm) tions were prepared by heating 225 parts of the epoxy resin named in Table Xll to 200F. and then adding 0.00259 mole of the metal salt named in Table XIV, EXAMPLE 68 0.00259 mole of the acid-generating ester. and 0.00146 mole of any buffering compound. The pot life of the example illustrates the Preparation of a glassfi composition was measured as the time after the compoberminforced P P tape impregnated with resin sition had been prepared and while it was held at 200F Cllmpllsllll)" that Clmfilsled of Cycloallphatli: p y 5 for the viscosity of the composition to exceed either resin and a catalyst combination of the invention.

The impregnating resin composition was prepared by mixing the following materials at about I00C.

3000 centipoises (Examples (19-75) or l000 centipoises (Examples 76-83 The gel time for the composition was measured as the time after mixing of the composition and heating to 325 'F. given in Table XIV.

The results are action product ofa buffering compound that has a solubility in the material to be catalyzed of at least 1 part TABLE XIV Acid- Example Buffering Generating Gel Time Pot Life No. Epoxy Resin Metal Salt Compound Ester (minutes) (hours) 69 Cycloaliphatic epoxy resin Ca (CF Sosh l5 4 7O Included 3.4 2 7| Sod. Stearate Included 3.2 3 72 Ba (CF SOQZ 15 4 73 Included 3.9 4 74 Barium Included 3.6 4

Neodecanoate 75 Sod. Stearate Included 4.4 4 76 Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A Ca (C550 77 Included 7.4 4 78 Bil (CF:\S;|) I 4 7) Included lll.l 4 litl Epoxy novolac resin Ca (CI-1,50 l5 4 Kl Included 5.4 4 B2 Ba (CF SO 1 4 R3 Included 74 4 Example 84 This example shows the use of a catalyst system of the invention to catalyze polymerization of a phenolic resin. In this example 30 parts of benzophenone was melted in a 50-ml Ehrlenmeyer flask and heated to I50C, after which 10 parts of a phenolic resin as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,485,797 having an average molecular weight of about 700 (from Ashland Chemical Company) was added to the flask and the mixture heated to 150C. Thereupon 0.2 part of barium tril'luoromethyl sulfonate, and 0.4 part of di( benzyl-tbutyl)oxylate were added to the flask. The induction period at lC was l- /z minutes and within 2- /1 minutes the composition had completely cured. At l00"C the induction period was 9 minutes, and was followed by very slow curing.

What is claimed is:

I. In combination as a catalyst system soluble in the material to be catalyzed, l one equivalent of metal salt selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, calcium, strontium, silver. barium, and lead salts of a fluoroalkylsulfonyl acid selected from the group consisting offluoroalkane sulfonic acids and bis(fluoroalkylsulfonyU-methanes; and 2) about 0.2 to about 2 equivalents of thermally decomposable ester reaction product of a tertiary alkyl alcohol and an acid that forms a chelation complex with the metal cation of said .metal salt, the ester reaction product decomposing upon heating to release the chelating acid for complex- .ing with the metal cation. whereby catalytic activity is initiated.

2. A combination of claim I in which the metal of ,said metal salt is selected from the group consisting of lithium. sodium, strontium. and barium.

3. A combination ofclaim l in which the fluoroalkylsulfonyl acid is a fluoroalkane sultonic acid and the fluoroalkyl group is perfluoroalkyl containing 2 carbons or less.

4. A combination of claim I in which the chclating acid is selected from the group consisting of oxalic. phosphoric and phosphorous acids.

5. A combination of claim I that further includes up to about 0.6 equivalent per equivalent of said ester reper 1000 parts of the material to be catalyzed, said buffering compound providing a base when dissolved in the material to be catalyzed that associates with the proton of the chclating acid generated by thermal decomposition of said ester reaction product to retard the catalytic activity of the combination.

6. A combination of claim 5 in which the buffering compound is selected from the group consisting of hudroxides, alkoxides, and carboxylates of alkali metals, carboxylates of alkaline-earth metals, and quaternary ammonium hydroxides.

7. A combination of claim 5 in which the buffering compound is selected from the group consisting of carboxylates of barium, strontium and sodium.

8. In combination as a catalyst system soluble in the material to be catalyzed, l one equivalent of metal salt selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium. strontium, and barium salts of a fluoroalkane sulfonic acid; and 2) about 0.2 to about 2 equivalents of ther mally decomposable ester reaction product ofa tertiary alkyl alcohol and an acid that forms a chelation complex with the metal cation of said metal salt, the ester reaction product decomposiing upon heating to release the chelating acid for complexing with the metal cation. whereby catalytic activity is initiated.

9. A combination of claim 8 in which the chelating acid is selected from the group consisting of oxalic, phosphoric, and phosphorous acids.

10. A combination of claim 8 that further includes up to about 0.6 equivalent per equivalent of said ester reaction product ofa buffering compound that has a solubility in the material to be catalyzed of at least 1 part per parts of the material to be catalyzed, said buffering compound providing a base when dissolved in the material to be catalyzed that associates with the proton of the chelating acid generated by thermal decomposition of said ester reaction product to retard the catalytic activity of the combination.

II. In combination as a catalyst system soluble in the material to be catalyzed, I) one equivalent of barium trifluoromethane sulfonate; and 2) about 0.2 to about 2 equivalents of thermally decomposable ester reaction product of a tertiary alkyl alcohol and an acid selected from the group consisting of oxalic. phosphoric, and

phosphorous acids that forms a ChLiiltlUll complcx with activity is initiatcd. thc harium cation. the estcr rcaction product LICCUIH- l2. A combination otciaim I] in which thc chuluting posing upon heating to rclcasc the chcluting acid for acid is oxalic acid Complcxing with the barium cation. \xhcrchy catalytic LII UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. 3,907,706 DATED 3 Sept. 23, 1975 |NV,ENTOR(5) I Janis Robins It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In column 3, line 16, add --sto "catalyst."

In column 4, line 54, delete [3] after "(CF SO In column 4, line 54, insert -CHCH after "(CF SO In column 6, line 56, delete [g] before "6 or more...

In column 15, line 38, "and" should be --that-.

In column 18, line 57, "100" should be -l000.

In column 18, line 31, "hu" should be hy".

Signed and Sealed this t t a 0 [SEAL] wen leth D y f January 1976 A ties t:

RUTH C. MASON Commissioner uflarenls and Trademarks 

1. IN COMBINATION AS A CATALYST SYSTEM SOLUBLE IN THE MATERIAL TO BE CATALYZED, 1) ONE EQUIVALENT OF METAL SALT SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF LITHIUM, SODIUM, CALCIUM, STRONTIUM, SILVER, BARIUM, AND LEAD SALTS OF A FLUOROALKYLSULFONYL ACID SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF FLUOROALKANE SULFONIC ACIDS AND BIS(FLUOROALKYLSULFONYL)-METHANES: AND 2) ABOUT 0.2 TO ABOUT 2 EQUIVALENTS OF THERMALLY DECOMPOSABLE ESTER REACTION PRODUCT OF A TERTIARY ALKYL ALCOHOL AND AN ACID THAT FORMS A CHELATION COMPLEX WITH THE METAL CATION OF SAID METAL SALT, ESTER REACTION PRODUCT DECOMPOSING UPON HEATNG TO RELEASE THE CHELATING ACID FOR COMPLEXING WITH THE METAL CATION, WHEREBY CATALYTIC ACTIVITY IS INITIATED.
 2. A combination of claim 1 in which the metal of said metal salt is selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, strontium, and barium.
 3. A combination of claim 1 in which the fluoroalkylsulfonyl acid is a fluoroalkane sulfonic acid and the fluoroalkyl group is perfluoroalkyl containing 2 carbons or less.
 4. A combination of claim 1 in which the chelating acid is selected from the group consisting of oxalic, phosphoric and phosphorous acids.
 5. A combination of claim 1 that further includes up to about 0.6 equivalent per equivalent of said ester reaction product of a buffering compound that has a solubility in the material to be catalyzed of at least 1 part per 1000 parts of the material to be catalyzed, said buffering compound providing a base when dissolved in the material to be catalyzed that associates with the proton of the chelating acid generated by thermal decomposition of said ester reaction product to retard the catalytic activity of the combination.
 6. A combination of claim 5 in which the buffering compound is selected from the group consisting of hudroxides, alkoxides, and carboxylates of alkali metals, carboxylates of alkaline-earth metals, and quaternary ammonium hydroxides.
 7. A combination of claim 5 in which the buffering compound is selected from the group consisting of carboxylates of barium, strontium and sodium.
 8. In combination as a catalyst system soluble in the material to be catalyzed, 1) one equivalent of metal salt selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, strontium, and barium salts of a fluoroalkane sulfonic acid; and 2) about 0.2 to about 2 equivalents of thermally decomposable ester reaction product of a tertiary alkyl alcohol and an acid that forms a chelation complex with the metal cation of said metal salt, the ester reaction product decomposiing upon heating to release the chelating acid for complexing with the metal cation, whereby catalytic activity is initiated.
 9. A combination of claim 8 in which the chelating acid is selected from the group consisting of oxalic, phosphoric, and phosphorous acids.
 10. A combination of claim 8 that further includes up to about 0.6 equivalent per equivalent of said ester reaction product of a buffering compound that has a solubility in the material to be catalyzed of at least 1 part per 100 parts of the material to be catalyzed, said buffering compound providing a base when dissolved in the material to be catalyzed that associates with the proton of the chelating acid generated by thermal decomposition of said ester reaction product to retard the catalytic activity of the combination.
 11. In combination as a catalyst system soluble in the material to be catalyzed, 1) one equivalent of barium trifluoromethane sulfonate; and 2) about 0.2 to about 2 equivalents of thermally decomposable ester reaction product of a tertiary alkyl alcohol and an acid selected from the group consisting of oxalic, phosphoric, and phosphorous acids that forms a chelation complex with the barium cation, the ester reaction product decomposing upon heating to release the chelating acid for complexing with the barium cation, whereby catalytic activity is initiated.
 12. A combination of claim 11 in which the chelating acid is oxalic acid. 